Stress Management Tips for Single Parents

Being a parent can be stressful enough but being a single parent brings its own kind of stress. Not only are you expected to be the sole money earner, you’re also expected to act as both father and mother. If you’re in this situation, these tips for single parents may provide you with an avenue to deal with the stress so you and your children can thrive.

* Learn to take care of yourself. You may feel there’s no time to care for yourself. You may have to work a full-time job, as well as single-handedly taking care of your home and your children. Then there are the bills and more. By the time you fall exhausted into bed, there are only a few hours to sleep before it’s time to get up and do it all again. If you’re always stressed and exhausted, you’re not giving your best to your children. They need a parent who is rested and relaxed.

Ask a family member or trusted friend to come and sit with the children while you rest for a couple of hours. Once you’ve had a break, you’ll come back with a new attitude and ready to face whatever may come your way. You’ll also be able to enjoy your children more. Try to make arrangements to get a couple of hours to yourself at least once every two weeks.

* Get outside and go for a walk. If your children are small, put them in a stroller and go to the park. Take time to stroll along and enjoy the scenery. Let them play on the playground equipment while you sit nearby. Spending the time enjoying nature and being in the fresh air and sunshine can do wonders for reducing stress. The exercise will do you good, too.

* Put on some music at home and get silly. Sing or dance to the music with your children. Make funny faces and laugh. You probably spend so much of your time being serious it’s good for your children to see you laughing and having a good time.

* Find a support group of other single parents. Not only will you be able to talk with them about things you and your children are going through, it may also help you to know you’re not alone. Some support groups offer babysitting services so you can have a much-needed break and be able to know your child is being cared for by someone who understands.

* Establish house rules and expect everyone to abide by them. You’ll also want your children to help with household chores rather than you taking care of everything. If everyone pitches in, the work will be done and you’ll feel less stressed. The time you have left can be spent doing something enjoyable.

* Give yourself a break and stop feeling like you have to be perfect. As much as you’d like to think so, you’re not going to know how to do everything. You also can’t be everywhere at once. Be willing to accept that the house may not be spotless and you served pizza for dinner twice in one week. Sometimes you have to do what you have to do. Lighten up and don't be hard on yourself.

Try some of these stress management tips for single parents. Most importantly, know that you don’t have to do everything on your own. There are people out there – friends, family or a support group – who care about you and your children. Lean on them when you need to; that’s what they’re there for.